Murray works around bad farm situation

Because they don't have an American Hockey League affiliate, the Ducks started the season by sending the bulk of their better prospects to the San Antonio Rampage, which are the Phoenix Coyotes' top affiliate.

But it's become clear that the arrangement hasn't worked as players such as Matt Beleskey, Mark Mitera and Brett Festerling (pictured) weren't getting the ice time they normally would if the Ducks had their own AHL team.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray found one solution by sending Beleskey, Festerling and winger Troy Bodie to the Toronto Marlies, the AHL farm club of the Toronto Maple Leafs who are run by former Ducks GM Brian Burke, Murray's one-time boss.

Murray also tapped his connections with Manitoba Moose, sending center Erik Christensen there on a conditioning assignment along with assigning Dan Sexton from Bakersfield (ECHL).

The two join defenseman Brian Salcido, who was sent there during training camp. Murray and Carlyle, a former coach with the Moose, have a long relationship with Manitoba general manager Craig Heisinger and coach Scott Arniel.

“Randy and I both have great faith in their staff, including Craig, Scott and the coaching staff,” Murray said. “Having those relationships gives us confidence in what they are doing there, they want to win and do things the right way. The same goes for Toronto [Marlies].”

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